Village attorney Jason Shaw says there is an old law that has never been altered that would allow for an MHC, and according to the new proposal, there is no call for a special use permit. The only reason it would not work is the sewer moratorium. The sewer system is undergoing an upgrade, but the major bulk of the work is not set for the near future, according to thedailymail.
Sam Landy, President of UMH Properties, said the reason they changed from modular to manufactured housing is to be in compliance with the code. In answer to questions about appearance, Landy replied “I have been doing this since 1987, and I can put two homes side by side — one manufactured and one modular — and they would look the same, both inside and out.” Noting they would all be multi-sectional homes, he added the plan is to build a first-class development, similar to other developments UMH has built, such as Pine Manor in Carlisle, PA, and Somerset and Whispering Pines in Somerset, PA.
Shaw said UMH could conceivably phase in the homes slowly, like 30 units at a time, until the sewer upgrade can handle more units. The village may also ask UMH to help pay for the upgrade which, as MHProNews understands, could allow for the development to quicken its pace.
However, Deputy Mayor Stephen Hanse says the law that allows UMH to site MH is dated and the village needs to look at present day realities. Mayor Mark Evans responded that revising the law just as UMH is planning its development could open the door to a lawsuit. Shaw replied that it’s within the village’s right to do that, even banning MH altogether.
“As stewards of the character of our village, we need to step back and look at this through that perspective,” Hanse said. “We have to decide if this is something we want in this village, and work from there.”
In addition, the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) the company filled out would have to be altered because there are fewer units than previously planned, which means there would be less demand on the water and sewer systems. However, UMH has altered the plan from a 55+ community to all ages, which will likely impact the school system.
In any case, there is nothing for the Village Board to vote or take action on at this time. ##
(Photo credit: UMH Properties, Inc.)
